Jose Trevino is the brother of Miguel Trevino, the reputed head of the Zetas, one of the most powerful and violent Mexican drug cartels. It is based in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico but controls the drug trade in 11 Mexican states, according to U.S. prosecutors.

The government later sold most of the horses at an auction.

Some of the horses, with names such as Number One Cartel, ran in races at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas and also in California and New Mexico.

Zulema Trevino faces 20 years in prison. Her daughter could be sentenced to three years. But prosecutors are recommending both receive probation, according to the San Antonio Express-News.